First Killzone 2 In-Game Footage Revealed News

Dogged by rampant rumors and speculation surrounding the status of Killzone 2, as well as the increasing pressure on Sony to boost PlayStation 3 interest and sales, the first demo footage of the PS3's leading console exclusive FPS was shown at E3 last night to a select crowd.

Killzone 2, now scheduled for a 2008 release, will place gamers in the ISA again where they will assume the role of a special forces operative called Sev. Gameplay starts out with an all-out attack on the planet Helghan (to capture the Helghast leader). From there the team must secure the capital city Pyrrhus, but the Helghast adapt quickly and harness the planet's environment, using its power against the ISA. A large part of the ISA's success will be learning how to cope with the challenges that the planet's environment throws at them.

"There have rightly been high expectations for Killzone 2 since we shared the vision for the title back in 2005," said Phil Harrison, president, Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios. "Guerrilla have worked hard to focus the power of PlayStation 3 to realize their true vision for the game. With incredible action, drama-fueled gameplay sequences, and a vast array of weapons and vehicles, Killzone 2 defines a new benchmark of our industry."

This demo follows the controversial events of 2005's E3 where it was alleged that Sony had not shown in-game footage of Killzone 2 in their demonstrations as the graphics were too advanced even for the PS3, and that the footage was in fact computer generated.

In order to achieve this level of quality in-game, developers Guerrilla have implemented proprietary tools and technology such as deferred rendering techniques to create detailed character animations and surroundings. Advanced cinematic effects such as motion blur, internal lens reflections and depth-based colour grading are also used to produce stunning visuals.

This hotly awaited sequel is set to feature atmospheric environments that respond realistically to weapon fire. Additionally, the near inhospitable atmosphere of Helghan will throw up a number of gameplay challenges for players to overcome.